October 2006 News

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Unique programme ‘drives’ innovation

BT has become the latest organisation to support a youth initiative which aims to encourage entrepreneurship amongst young people in the region.

The Big Ideas ICT Youth Challenge, which was launched earlier this year, has received an excellent response across the North East and numerous teams have already entered the competition.

Open to young people up to the age of 20, the programme is designed to give groups of between three to five people the opportunity to develop and nurture their innovative ICT ideas with help from industry experts.

BT joins Berghaus and the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) as the main sponsors of the programme.

As part of their support for the project, BT have pledged a range of prizes, including a ‘once in a lifetime’ prize for the overall winners of the competition.

Simon Roberson, BT regional manager for the North East explains:

“The overall winner of the competition will be invited to BT’s world-renowned research and development centre, Adastral Park in Suffolk, and experience the amazing work that goes on behind the scenes.  In Addition, the winning group will be given expert support to further develop their ICT idea and create a working prototype.

Simon added: “Creating a culture of enterprise and innovation in the UK is at the heart of BT’s long-term strategy.  By investing in, and encouraging, the entrepreneurs of tomorrow we are helping to increase future prosperity and quality of life.”

Big Ideas project manager Lisa Smith said “The Big Ideas ICT Youth Challenge is a unique initiative which will open up a world of opportunities for budding ICT entrepreneurs across the North East.”

Lisa added: “Entries for the competition are already coming in from across the region and the ‘first pitch’ stage, where teams will present their ideas to an expert panel, takes place in January.

“It’s great to see major organisations like BT and Berghaus getting actively involved with the programme and we are looking forward to announcing new sponsors in the near future.”

To find about more about the Big Ideas ICT Youth Challenge please visit: www.bigideasyouthchallenge.co.uk.